The Trans States Airlines Blog

Trying to decide which airline you want to work for? One of the most important factors to consider is crew base location. The location of your crew base can drastically affect your quality of life, so you want to be sure that you have affordable options. Cost of living is a key factor to consider, as is the availability of good public transportation and budget-friendly entertainment.

Luckily, with bases in Denver, Raleigh-Durham, Washington D.C., St. Louis, and Chicago, our employees have some great options. In fact, all five of our crew bases were recently included in the 2016 US News and World Report “Best 100 Places to Live” rankings, with three of them making it to the top 10. Here are a few of our favorite things about each of our domiciles:

Denver

Denver, CO

Claiming the coveted top spot on the US News list is Denver, Colorado. The Mile High City is perfect for any outdoorsy-type, but offers something for everyone. Fitness and nature enthusiasts are within an hour of skiing and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, and for more relaxed outings, Denver boasts over 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses, and playgrounds. The city is also home to a flourishing arts scene and boasts approximately 100 breweries.

One of the best ways to explore Denver is by bike. The bike-sharing company, B-Cycle, provides 700 bikes for the city’s more than 85 miles of paved pathways. The above-ground tramway, RTD light rail, is also a convenient and economical way to get around.

Raleigh-Durham

Raleigh-Durham, NC

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina also ranks high on the US News list, coming in at number four. Raleigh’s diverse population enjoys mild average seasonal temperatures, low property taxes, and a cost-of-living slightly lower than the national average.

North Carolina is paradise for sports fans, with professional football, basketball, and hockey teams, as well as a huge NASCAR presence. Additionally, North Carolina is home to the famed Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels collegiate programs.

With over two hundred parks, a children’s museum, and over one hundred and fifty miles of greenway, Raleigh provides plenty to do outside. And getting around is a breeze, especially in the downtown area, where most people prefer to walk. There are plenty of commuter options however, including the R-Line bus system and an expanding system of both commuter rail and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Making it to the number eight spot on the US News list is our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Young, fun and vibrant are just a few of the words used to describe this historically and politically significant city. From a plethora of cultural attractions to a vibrant nightlife, D.C. has it all.

Museums and theaters abound, and the city is home of a seeming endless number of restaurants, nightclubs and concert venues. Sports fans will feel right at home in D.C., as the region is home to professional football, basketball, baseball and hockey teams.

D.C. traffic is notorious, but public transportation is available for those who prefer not to drive, thanks to trains and buses provided by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. For those who want to combine exercise and sightseeing, the best way to see the city is by bike. Be sure to check out Capital Bike Share, which rents out bikes in the metro area for periods ranging from a day to a year.

St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

Affordable entertainment options combined with a cost of living that’s well below the national average, make St. Louis a fun and economical domicile.

St. Louis is a sports town, and the region’s 2.8 million residents are rabid supporters of the city’s two professional sports teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. St. Louis offers plenty to keep live music and theater fans busy, including the renowned Fox Theatre and Peabody Opera House. Plus, the city’s world-class zoo, science center and art museum all offer free admission.

Although St. Louis is primarily a driving town, there are other affordable commuter options, including bus and light rail systems offered by Metro Transit, as well as increasing options for bicyclists.

Chicago

Chicago, IL

Chicago is home to an abundance of well-known attractions and events. Fans of sports and music will find plenty to do, especially during the warmer months. Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the annual Air and Water Show held on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago also offers a smorgasbord of restaurants and food options, including not to be missed Chicago-style pizza. Getting around is a breeze in Chicago, thanks to a multitude of public transportation options. The Chicago Transit Authority’s “L” trains and buses, the Metra rail system, taxis, Uber, and even bicycle rental company Divvy make sure that commuters don’t have to walk or sit in traffic if they don’t want to.

Did we neglect to include one of your favorite attractions? Let us know in the comments!